Abstract
In underground metalliferous mines, declines serve as one of the primary intake airways. The intake air in declines gets contaminated by dust, gas, heat, and diesel particulate matter (DPM) generated due to the low-profile dump truck (LPDT) haulage. In this study, the generation and dispersion of airborne dust due to loaded LPDT haulage against ventilation air current in dry portion of decline of a fully mechanized underground lead–zinc ore mine are monitored using 15-channel real-time aerosol spectrometers. The airborne dust concentration in upstream (U) and downstream (D) sides, and generated by LPDT haulage (G=D-U) in decline are analysed in terms of cumulative and differential concentrations encompassing mass and percent proportions for different dust size ranges. The downstream airborne dust concentration is analysed in terms of occupational dust classification, such as alveolar (6%), thoracic (41%) and inhalable dust types. Moreover, empirical relations are developed for predicting the proportions of ≤ 10, 10–20, and >20 μ m size dust concentrations in the downstream airborne dust up to 300 m long decline. No significant studies have been conducted earlier on the generation and dispersion of airborne dust along the decline in mechanized underground metalliferous mines. This research can aid better understanding of the generation and dispersion behaviour of airborne dust, and enable the manufacturers, occupational hygienists, and mine environmentalists developing effective appliances and proper measures for the dust control in declines of underground metalliferous mines and tunnels. • Monitored upstream and downstream airborne dust generated by LPDT haulage in decline. • Analysed cumulative and differential dust generation/dispersion profiles for LPDT haulage. • Classified the airborne dust into alveolic, thoracic, and inhalable dust proportions. • Developed empirical relations to predict dust concentrations of various sizes in downstream.
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